4th National Conference on Genomics and Public Health

Overview

The 4th National Conference on Genomics and Public Health, Using Genomic Information to Improve Health Now and in the Future, was a three-day event that highlighted best practices in public health genomics today while preparing for the future.

The conference, held December 8-10, 2010, featured keynote presentations by leaders in the fields of genomics and public health, interactive plenary and break-out sessions, scientific poster exhibits on genomics research and public health practice, and evening events for networking.

Purpose

The goals of the event were to bring together multi-disciplinary professionals from national, state and global organizations to:

Learn more about the use of genetics and genomics for improving public health interventions to prevent and control chronic, pediatric, infectious, environmental, and occupational diseases, and provide quality genetic services across the lifespan

Understand the landscape of genomic applications as they are being used now and best practices to follow

Learn about new scientific technologies and methods that can be implemented now or in the near future

Understand the implications of the globalization of public health and genomics

Determine the best steps to take in forging the direction of our work in the next five to 10 years

Agenda

The conference sessions detailed genomics and public health programs, projects, research, and activities in the following tracks:

Track 1 - Practice: use of evidence-based genomic knowledge and applications (e.g., genetic and genomic testing, technology, and family health history) in public education, health promotion across the lifespan, screening, health service delivery, and community partnerships

Priorities in genomic applications in practice and prevention: an evidence-based approach to moving forward with translation and implementation of genomic technologies in clinical and public health practiceMichael Marrone, M.P.H.

2:10 p.m.

Genetics for Early Disease Detection and Intervention (GEDDI)James O'Leary, B.S.

Prevalence of women in a large HMO with an increased risk family history consistent with the 2005 USPSTF recommendation for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genetics referralCecelia Bellcross, Ph.D., M.S.